Organic Oatmeal Shampoos for Dogs

Dogs need regular bathing to keep them clean, keep their coats healthy and wash away any unwanted odors. Synthetic, chemically formulated shampoos are available for your pet; but organic oatmeal shampoos are an alternative that can be easier on your wallet, your dog and the environment all at the same time. You can make an oatmeal shampoo yourself.

  1. Benefits of Oatmeal Shampoos

    • Oatmeal contains chemicals called avenanthramides and phenols, according to Vetinfo.com, that naturally soothe skin. The inexpensive grain can be used in powder or whole form to help clean your dog's coat and keep it shiny, as well as relieve skin irritations. Organic oatmeal shampoo is best because non-organic oatmeal is generally sprayed with pesticides during the growing process, and trace amounts of these chemicals could end up in a non-organic shampoo.

    Wet Oatmeal Shampoo

    • You can make oatmeal shampoos simply by cooking down the oats. There are two ways to do this. One way is to use a 50/50 ratio of water to oats. Bring the water to a boil and then add the oats. When the mixture gets starchy, strain the oats with a cloth and use the starchy water to wash your dog with. Another technique is to grind the oats with a food processor or coffee grinder until they are a fine powder. Then add a cup of baking soda and a quart of warm water. Use this mixture as your shampoo. Apply either mixture to your dog's coat and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before you wash it off.

    Dry Oatmeal Shampoo

    • Vetinfo.com suggests a dry oatmeal shampoo option you can use on your dog. Mix a 50-50 split of oats and bran, and bake the mixture in the oven at 200 degrees for about five minutes. Use a brush to apply the powder to your dog's coat, then brush it out.

    Availability and What to Look for in Oatmeal Shampoos

    • Organic oatmeal shampoos are available at pet supply stores as well as through online vendors. Some natural foods stores with pet sections also carry them. When shopping for an organic oat shampoo, read the labels and look for other skin-soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and tea tree oil, suggests Vetinfo.com. If you're unsure, Vetinfo.com recommends buying a shampoo labeled for sensitive skin.